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The 2-row, 5-passenger Murano remains a popular crossover vehicle for a very simple reason: it has the driving characteristics of a car but the space benefits of an SUV. The Murano is known for having a roomy, car-like second row and a surprisingly generous rear cargo area.

I drove a 2010 Nissan Murano is the base S trim starting at $28,340 and featuring simple standards like 18-inch wheels, a 6-CD audio system, dual climate control and a push-button ignition. The vehicle is powered by a 265-horspower 3.5-liter DOCH 24-valve V6 engine with 248 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) transfers power by choosing the best or lowest gear ratios and rpm to create one of the smoothest and most comfortable automatic transmission systems on the market. The Murano also comes in a mid-level SL trim ($30,460) and a more luxurious LE trim ($37,100).

Originally introduced six years ago, the Nissan gave the Murano a significant redesign last year to enhance interior, exterior and performance components. Therefore the 2010 model gets just the icing on the cake in the form of more standard equipment for the various trims such as roof rails for the SL and the Dual Panel Moonroof for the LE. But I would say purchasing either this year’s model or last year’s model would make anyone a happy Murano owner.